Cancer drug could supercharge malaria treatment and beat resistance

NCT ID NCT07559370

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 30, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study tests whether adding imatinib, a drug currently used for cancer, to the standard malaria treatment (artemether + lumefantrine) can clear the malaria parasite faster and fight drug resistance. About 1,100 adults with mild to moderate malaria will receive either the standard 3-day treatment or a 2-day combination with imatinib. Researchers will check safety, how quickly parasites disappear, and whether the infection comes back.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Imatinib mesylate combined with artemether and lumefantrine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could lead to a shorter, more effective malaria treatment that also helps stop the spread of drug-resistant parasites.

What could go wrong

This is an early Phase 2 trial, so the added benefit of imatinib is not yet proven. There may be side effects from the combination, and results may not apply to all malaria patients.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

malaria Plasmodium falciparum malaria

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Victoria Biomedical Research Institute

    RECRUITING

    Kisumu, 40100, Kenya

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact

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